8 days in California Itinerary

Extreme heat and dryness create extreme landscapes in Death Valley National Park.

Kick off your visit on the 16th (Thu): admire nature's extreme beauty at The Racetrack, tour the pleasant surroundings at Salt Creek Interpretive Trail, steep yourself in history at Harmony Borax Works, take in breathtaking views at Twenty Mule Team Canyon, then cruise along Artist's Drive, and finally contemplate the waterfront views at Badwater Basin. Here are some ideas for day two: make a trip to Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, take in breathtaking views at Mosaic Canyon, explore the stunning scenery at Golden Canyon, then take in the dramatic natural features at Zabriskie Point, and finally get engrossed in the history at The Ranch at Furnace Creek.

For maps, traveler tips, and other tourist information, refer to the Death Valley National Park holiday app.

Newark to Death Valley National Park is an approximately 12-hour combination of flight, bus, and car. You can also do a combination of flight and bus; or drive. Traveling from Newark to Death Valley National Park, you'll gain 3 hours due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Newark in February, things will get somewhat warmer in Death Valley National Park: highs are around 63°F and lows about 37°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Fri) to allow enough time to travel to Los Angeles.

Surrounded by mountain ranges, forests, valleys, beaches, and deserts, the metropolitan area of Los Angeles is home to over 17 million people.

Kick off your visit on the 18th (Sat): get in on the family fun at Disneyland Park. On your second day here, contemplate the long history of Greystone Mansion and Park, take in the waterfront at Santa Monica Pier, examine the collection at The Getty Center, take a memorable drive along Mulholland Drive, then get to know the fascinating history of Hollywood Walk of Fame, and finally look and learn at Griffith Observatory.

To see traveler tips, reviews, ratings, and tourist information, read our Los Angeles road trip planner.

You can drive from Death Valley National Park to Los Angeles in 3.5 hours. Another option is to drive. Expect a bit warmer temperatures when traveling from Death Valley National Park in February; daily highs in Los Angeles reach 71°F and lows reach 51°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Sun) so you can drive to San Diego.

Divided into neighborhoods with distinct characters and cultural heritages, San Diego sits just north of the Mexican border and offers visitors a blend of tourist attractions, including a lively nightlife, diverse cuisine, and a thriving musical scene.

Kick off your visit on the 20th (Mon): explore the world behind art at San Diego Museum of Art and then get to know the resident critters at San Diego Zoo. On your second day here, see the interesting displays at USS Midway Museum and then let the kids burn off some steam at Balboa Park.

For traveler tips, other places to visit, where to stay, and more tourist information, read our San Diego trip itinerary planner.

You can drive from Los Angeles to San Diego in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or take a bus. In February, daytime highs in San Diego are 68°F, while nighttime lows are 53°F. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 22nd (Wed) to allow time for the flight back home.